Citizens who are crime victims or those with a criminal complaint should first contact their local law enforcement agency. In some cases, due to man power restrictions or police response priorities, law enforcement may be unavailable or unable to help. In such cases, the Cambridge Law Director’s Office is available for the filing of a private criminal complaint with the possibility of the filing of criminal charges if it is determined that sufficient evidence exists to proceed with the filing of criminal charges.
Where and When to File
If the incident of complaint occurred within Guernsey County and involves a person 18 years of age or older, a complaint may be filed with the Cambridge Law Director’s Office. The office is located at 150 Highland Avenue, Cambridge, Ohio. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until Noon and from 1:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Procedure
Upon arrival at the Cambridge Law Director’s Office, you will be asked by a staff member to fill out a complaint form. You will then have an opportunity to speak to a staff member about your concerns. During the course of the interview, the staff member will ask you questions to determine if your complaint actually alleges criminal activity. The staff member may also ask you to obtain additional information such as photographs, copies of law enforcement reports, audio or video recordings, or any information that the staff member believes would assist in the investigation of your complaint.
The Law Director’s Office handles only criminal complaints such as domestic violence, assault, theft, telephone harassment and criminal damaging. Once you have met with the staff member and all information has been compiled, the file will be presented to the Law Director for review and determination as whether criminal charges should be filed or other action taken. This can be in the form of a letter sent to the individual complained about. The Cambridge Law Director’s Office can authorize criminal charges only where there is legally sufficient evidence to demonstrate that a crime was committed by the person or persons accused.
The Law Director’s Office DOES NOT issue restraining orders or peace bonds.
In the event it is determined that your complaint is civil in nature, you will be advised to seek private legal counsel. Examples of civil complaints includes matters dealing with breach of contract, bad debts, collection, and landlord/tenant disputes.
The Cambridge Law Director’s Office cannot collect money for property damage or personal injury.